Craft beer has gone from flourishing to spoiling its acolytes for choice. The go-to place to navigate this sudsy world is our phones — but a quick search for “beer” will reveal an endless rabbit hole of apps, many of which are geared toward binge drinking games or just poor attempts to cash in on the craft beer boom. But look deeper and you’ll realize there are insightful apps to be found. The best craft beer apps are informative and easy to navigate even after you’ve downed a few Imperial IPAs. Though they overlap in their uses, these are the best apps for honing in on one aspect of craft beef. Whether you’re seeking out a brewery, learning what makes a good craft beer (officially) or concocting your own home brew, here are the best pocket-based helpers.
Untappd
Best Beer Journal App: One of the most popular craft beer apps, Untappd picks out nearby establishments that serve craft beer, allows users to rate and take photos of different beers and gives away badges for the more craft beers you try. Yes, it’ll recommend different beers, allow you to “compete” with friends, and has strong ties to Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare — but this app is magic for two main reasons. First, it’s the best example of a “beer journal” app, keeping a backlog of any beer you’ve previously tried and how you rated it. Secondly, the app is constantly updated and runs like a race car. iOS | Android
BJCP Styles
Best Beer Education App: Not everyone can commit the time and effort required to complete the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), which officially certifies one to judge craft beer. Which is why the BJCP Styles app exists. Simply type in a beer and the app will draw from its extensive archive to tell you its history, ingredients used, expected aroma, appearance, flavor and more based on the BJCP’s actual guidelines. It’s a great app for those looking to rate beer consistently or who are just in search of a little beer enlightenment. iOS
myBeerNation
Best App for Brewery Hunters: With a living archive of over 4,000 breweries throughout the world, myBeerNation outclasses any other brewery hunting app. Simply type in a specific beer, city or state and myBeerNation guides you with vital brewery information (address, website, phone number, touring options, whether it serves food, etc.) and a history of which breweries you’ve already been to. So if you’re trying to hit a number of breweries on a road trip, or simply live in a brewery-rich city, this app is worth the $5. iOS
